Lady Traveler taking a long, beachy walk to the Surfside Pier - Part 2

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.

Broken Pier.  Broken Promises
Surfside Pier after Hurricane Matthew 2016

Returning to Surfside is always nostalgic for me.

Loving the present, and remembering the past.

After we set up camp at Ocean Lakes on Sunday,

I took the long walk to the Surfside Pier.

How wonderful it is to walk without pain, thanks to my new bionic knee.

As I approached the familiar pier, I noticed her damages.

Boards were torn off, her sidings down, and the end of the pier was literally demolished.

The pier was closed.

I later found out that her injuries were caused from Hurricane Matthew

that fiercely blew through the area last September.

Her injuries reminded me of my own knee injury.
Thank the good Lord that mine was repaired and better than new.
This is what I wish for the old Surfside Pier.

I stood for a long time, thinking of the memories that old pier represented.

It was the summer of 1961.

Flashbacks of ...
My Uncle Jimmy Bobo fishing off the end of the pier,

My young brother's first kiss at the end of the pier.

My hand-in-hand stroll with a 15-year-old tall Texan to the end of that pier.
(sorry, I'm not giving any further details).

And my cousin who eventually married a young man who worked at The Pavilion.

So many memories of fun in the sun with my family and new friends.

Two years later, my parents gave me a graduation gift:

a trip on a Greyhound bus to Surfside, South Carolina.

Much fun! More memories. And a few broken promises.

I smiled as I took the long walk back to Ocean Lakes,

thankful for my life, my husband, my family, my friends.

So much to be thankful for.

Even my memories.  

Eating breakfast at Surf Diner on the Surfside Pier, SC
Remembering.
And oh yes, delicious food and beachy atmosphere!

Until next time,
I wish you oceans of wonderful present memories.

To those who use well what they are given, 

even more will be given,

and they will have an abundance.

Matthew 25:29

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Lady Traveler's memories of Turkey and Sweden

Lady Traveler's memories of Sweden and Turkey

Dinner with my Swedish girlfriends 2008

There is much talk about the world's refugees,
which takes me back to our journey
to Sweden and Turkey in the fall of 2008.

It's hard to believe that it has been 9 years since this journey.
We were blessed to have a house-sitter and dog-sitter
that enabled us to be gone for three weeks.
When God asks you to do something,
He always provides.
First, we flew to Sweden.
I was honored to be asked by my Swedish friend, Helene,
to speak to a group of Kurdish refugee women from Turkey.
Although they were completely covered, the lovely dark-skinned women lit up the small room.
They were timid.  They were kind.  They were hungry.
We gathered around a long table where they served, in my honor, 
the most delicious Kurdish dishes.
I usually can't eat before speaking (its called nerves),
but I made an exception.

Then it was time for me to share what God had placed on my heart.
At first it felt strange to once again be speaking with an interpreter,
but soon we were flowing together like old friends.

Afterwards, I offered to pray with those who wanted prayer.
Every woman waited patiently as I spent time
holding their hands and praying for them.
We hugged, then ate delicious desserts.

Believe me, I was the one who was blessed that day.
I thank Helene for the opportunity to spend time
with these refugees that needed a safe place to live.
To this day, the women and their families are not able to return to Turkey
due to the political atmosphere.
(no photos available)


A week later Rob and I took another leap of faith.
A small team of three Swedes--and us-- flew to Istanbul.
Planes, trains, buses, and hours of walking in a city filled with thousands of people.
Bus lines were blocks long.  How did they get to work on time? I wondered.
So many people.  Strangers to me, but not to God.
He sent us to minister to a handful of Armenian refugee leaders who had begun a 
Christian work in this city of millions.
Leaders that needed encouragement, love, and prayer.
That's the least we could do for these brave, courageous men and women.

In the flat of leaders of a local Christian church in Istanbul
(that's me and Rob on the right)

Praying for people in a beautiful church after an evening service.

Eating lunch with Pastor and his family, and other church members after Sunday church service
(Rob preached that morning. Afterwards we prayed for the congregation)

Istanbul, Turkey 2008

We saw many famous sites in this magnificent city,

but it was the beautiful people that left the most profound memories.

We met in small flats throughout the city, and in local churches.
Their courage to obey the call of God on their lives,

no matter what the cost,

will stay close to my heart forever.


Wherever I travel, near or far,
I am always knitted closely together with my Christian brothers and sisters.
I'm sure you find this to be true in your travels.

Let us not forget those who have fled their land in search of a

safe haven until they are once again able to return to their safe home.

A few travel tips:
Get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, and carry snacks.
Travel light.
Always have an interpreter with you whenever possible.
Much can get lost in translation.


I wish you oceans of travel blessings!


Now, I beseech you brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that you speak the same thing,
and that there be no divisions among you;
but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind,
and in the same judgement.
I Corinthians 1:10

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Traveling back in time with my Memories

Mother's Day flowers from son, Shawn, 2010

I wish all mothers out there in 'blog land' a love-filled Mother's Day.  

Whether a biological mom (not to be confused with bionic), a step-mom, a mother-in-law, you love your children, no matter what their age.  And I pray that every child will take a few moments out of their busy schedule to drop by or make a phone call.  A card is also nice; flowers are lovely too.  Doesn't really matter as long as the gesture comes from the heart.  And if circumstances beyond your control prevents all of the above, you can do what all mothers are called to do: pray.  

My four grown children are out-of-state this Mother's Day, and Rob is working, so I plan to take a trip to the Riverbank Zoo and the bionic gardens.  I'll take a journal and write down my blessings as a mom, step-mom, and a mother-in-law.  Yes, I'm all three, and loving it.  I'll also spend time traveling down memory lane, reminiscing about my Mother's legacy of faith, love, and laughter.  What a sweet southern belle she was.  We had sixty-six years together, and I plan on spending eternity with her sometime in the future.  So until next time,

I wish you a smooth sailing Mother's Day and oceans of blessings!

I miss you, Mom,
but we'll be together some day
 in the sweet by-and-by.

I Tripped...oops...Traveled Down Memory Lane

Cemetery (1780) where my maternal grandparents and family members rest.

We may run, walk, stumble, drive, or sail, but let us never lose sight of the reason for the journey, 

or miss a chance to see a rainbow on the way.

The other day I took a road trip to Sumter, the town where I was born, to spend the day with my cousin, Vernon Roy.  After Daddy's passing a few weeks ago, I had a longing to visit the cemetery where my mother's family was laid to rest.  I never knew my grandparents; they died in their late thirties when my Mom was still a teenager.  As Vernon Roy and I shared memories of our younger years, we realized that our family had a few interesting skeletons in their closets.  The more we talked and compared notes, the more intrigued we became.  And curious.  But in the end, we agreed that no matter what the skeletons were, we had wonderful parents who loved us dearly.  And isn't that all that really matters?  

I came to the conclusion that I am happy with the memories I have.  No need to stir the pot, so to speak.  But I have to admit that I was challenged to write a novel about the whole scenario ... something like, "Return to Peyton Place"  ... oops ... I mean "Return to Sleepy Sumter."  Don't worry, cousins, I'm not going there!  *smile*

Have you discovered any skeletons in your closets lately?  Does it make you curious to find out more, or have you decided to keep the closet door locked?  If you decide to unlock the door, make sure you take your friend, Jesus, along so He can keep your heart protected.  I have no idea why I'm writing this, but these are my random thoughts for today, so there must be someone out there in Lady Leaf Land who needs to hear this.

Grandmother Viola Geddings
Gravestone created by their son, Roy Geddings

I wish you smooth sailing and oceans of blessings.  Stay on course, and may Jesus remain the Captain of your ship.

My child, don't lose sight of common sense and discernment.

Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul.

They are like jewels on a necklace.

Proverbs 3:21-22

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My Birthday Celebration...surprise! surprise!

I'm so glad I had gone to the doctor on Wednesday for my quarterly check-up. Healthy with a strong heart. Later that evening, Rob came home and we went to Peppers in Baxter Village for dinner. Just as I was sitting down in the booth, a strange woman walked over and said, "Happy Birthday Mom." Eeeek! I screamed and almost fell out of the booth. It was my daughter! But how could it be? She lives in California...hmmm...I glanced at Rob. He was laughing along with Jacquie. They succeeded in giving me the best birthday surprise ever (the 31st). After four days of hanging out (what happens in Fort Mill stays in Fort Mill!), we made memories to last me through the freezing winter days. After she leaves I always go through a case of withdrawals. Then I tell myself to snap out of it and thank God for the time we had together. That's what memories are--sprinkles of glitter for those moments when you are missing that special someone. So take a moment to sprinkle a dash of warm memories on your cup of hot chocolat. It will do wonders for your day.
(picture of Jacquie, Popcorn & me after the Friday night snowfall)